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US President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting comes after a series of terrorist attacks against Israel by the terrorist group Hamas on October 7. Mint explains what’s at stake.
What is the background of this meeting?
After the attack by Hamas, the Israeli army has started a campaign of air strikes on the Gaza area. More than 2,000 people have been killed so far in these air strikes.
Israel has also mobilized large numbers of troops and experts have speculated that it may be preparing a ground invasion. International bodies such as the United Nations have warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which has led to Israel cutting off supplies of food, water and electricity.
Hundreds of people were reportedly killed in a deadly explosion at a hospital in Gaza on Tuesday. Israel has denied responsibility for the incident. Although allegations have been widespread, the cause of the explosion remains in dispute.
What has been Biden’s stance?
Biden expressed solidarity with Israel by bluntly condemning Hamas attacks. A second US aircraft carrier strike group has been ordered to the region to prevent regional escalation against Israel. The US has also considered providing Israel with missile interceptors and ammunition needed for its Iron Dome air defense system.
Biden is also in touch with other regional leaders on this issue. But while he has supported Israel’s right to take action against Hamas, he has also expressed concern that Israel’s occupation of Gaza could prove to be a mistake, and he has called on Israel to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Pressured to give permission.
What’s on the agenda?
Biden has met with Netanyahu and will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog. During his meeting with Netanyahu, Biden gave Israel a clean chit over the hospital blast, saying it may have been caused by “the other team”.
He will also meet Israel’s war cabinet to better understand their plans. “He is going to receive information from the Israelis about the situation on the ground and, more critically, about their objectives, their plans and their intentions in the coming days and weeks. And he’ll ask some tough questions. He will ask him as a friend – as a true friend of Israel. But he’ll ask them some questions,” said John Kirby, the National Security Council’s coordinator for strategic communications. Biden will also express America’s desire to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
What has been India’s stance?
India has chosen to take a balanced stance, condemning terrorism while speaking about the importance of respecting international law. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of civilians in the Gaza hospital blast. “Deeply shocked by the tragic loss of lives at Gaza’s Al Ahli Hospital. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved must be held accountable,” he wrote on Twitter.
